Scotland A v England Saxons, 31 January

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Scotland A v England Saxons
Friday 31 January 2014, kick-off 7.30pm
Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow

Referee: [tbc]
Assistant Referees: [tbc]
Citing Commissioner: [tbc]

A. Squads

1. Scotland A

Forwards – Olly Atkins (Edinburgh Rugby), Fraser Brown, Kevin Bryce (both Glasgow Warriors), Blair Cowan (London Irish), Jonny Gray, Robert Harley (both Glasgow Warriors), Allister Hogg (Newcastle Falcons), Tyrone Holmes, Ed Kalman (both Glasgow Warriors), Kieran Low (London Irish), Gordon Reid (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Shiells (Newcastle Falcons) and Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors)

Backs – Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Cuthbert, Dougie Fife (both Edinburgh Rugby), Alex Grove (Worcester Warriors), Grayson Hart (Edinburgh Rugby), Tom Heathcote (Bath Rugby), Byron McGuigan, Henry Pyrgos (both Glasgow Warriors), Greig Tonks (Edinburgh Rugby) and Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors)

2. Saxons

Forwards - Nathan Catt (Bath Rugby) Calum Clark (NorthamptonSaints) Sam Dickinson (NorthamptonSaints) Dave Ewers (Exeter Chiefs) Jamie George (Saracens) George Kruis (Saracens) Charlie Matthews (Harlequins) Tom Mercey (NorthamptonSaints) Elliott Stooke (GloucesterRugby) Luke Wallace (Harlequins) Alex Waller (NorthamptonSaints) Dave Ward (Harlequins) Scott Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)

Backs - Freddie Burns (GloucesterRugby) Elliot Daly (London Wasps) Sam Hill (Exeter Chiefs) Matt Hopper (Harlequins) Dave Lewis (Exeter Chiefs) Rob Miller (Sale Sharks) Joe Simpson (London Wasps) Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby) Tom Varndell (London Wasps)

B. Previous Form

1 February 2013, Kingston Park
England Saxons 9 Scotland A 13

3 February 2012, Galashiels
Scotland A 35 England Saxons 0

C. Teams

England Saxons: 15 Miller (Sale), 14 Rokoduguni (Bath), 13 Daly (Wasps), 12 Eastmond (Bath), 11 Thompstone (Leicester), 10 Burns (Gloucester), 9 Robson (Gloucester); 1 Waller (Northampton), 2 Ward (Harlequins), 3 Wilson (Newcastle), 4 Stooke (Gloucester), 5 Kruis (Saracens), 6 Clark (Northampton, capt), 7 Wallace (Harlequins), 8 Dickinson (Northampton)

Replacements: 16 George (Saracens), 17 Catt (Bath), 18 Brookes (Newcastle), 19 Matthews (Harlequins), 20 Ewers (Exeter), 21 Simpson (Wasps), 22 Slade (Exeter), 23 Sharples (Gloucester)

Scotland A: 15 Cuthbert (Edinburgh), 14 Fife (Edinburgh), 13 Bennett (Glasgow), 12 Grove (Worcester), 11 McGuigan (Glasgow), 10 Tonks (Edinburgh), 9 Pyrgos (Glasgow); 1 Reid (Glasgow), 2 Brown (Glasgow), 3 Welsh (Glasgow), 4 Low (London Irish), 5 Gray (Glasgow, capt), 6 Harley (Glasgow), 7 Cowan (London Irish), 8 Hogg (Newcastle)

Replacements: 16 Bryce (Glasgow), 17 Allan (Edinburgh), 18 Kalman (Glasgow), 19 Atkins (Edinburgh), 20 Holmes (Glasgow), 21 Hart (Edinburgh), 22 Heathcote (Bath), 23 Vernon (Glasgow)

I don't suppose that this game is on TV. Highly doubtful I know

What happened to McCall, from the full squad for the Autumn Tests to nowhere to be seen? Would have thought that he'd have been in the A Squad if he was considered worth a call up a couple of months ago.
I see Johnny Gray has been announced as the captain for next week.

Congrat Gray jnr

Big confidence boost that for Gray jnr.

MacKnocked-on wrote:What happened to McCall, from the full squad for the Autumn Tests to nowhere to be seen? Would have thought that he'd have been in the A Squad if he was considered worth a call up a couple of months ago.
I see Johnny Gray has been announced as the captain for next week.

I think Cuthbert's resurgent form has cost him his place, probably quite rightly. Remember back in the autumn we had injuries at full back. Always going to be hard to state your case playing in the second division.

Good call for Johnny, he did a good job captaining the U20's last year and calls the lineouts already. He looks more of a natural leader than big brother.

We always see some rotation for the Scotland game and having been tanked by you guys twice on the trot i'd like to see us actually win this one for once! Here's what I think, given the rotation that you guys will face:

1. N Catt
2. J George
3. S Wilson
4. E Stooke
5. G Kruis
6. C Clark
7. L Wallace
8. D Ewers
9. D Lewis
10. H Slade
11. C Sharples
12. S Hill
13. E Daly
14. J Nowell
15. R Miller

16. D Ward 17. A Waller 18. T Mercy 19. C Matthews 20. S Dickinson 21. J Simpson 22. F Burns 23. M Hopper

Depends on injury etc obviously but there are some like Jamie George and Dave Ewers who I think will retain their spot regardless of rotation, They're young and the more development they can get the better I think.

It'll be nice to see that pack take the field. Heavy duty and some really strong carriers throughout with Wallace a threat on the floor.

On FH I think Henry Slade has done enough in the AP to get a start but at 22. that could be either Burns or Ford depending on who drops out of the senior squad. It would be nice to see Heathcote v Ford!

BigGee wrote:

MacKnocked-on wrote:What happened to McCall, from the full squad for the Autumn Tests to nowhere to be seen? Would have thought that he'd have been in the A Squad if he was considered worth a call up a couple of months ago.
I see Johnny Gray has been announced as the captain for next week.

I think Cuthbert's resurgent form has cost him his place, probably quite rightly. Remember back in the autumn we had injuries at full back. Always going to be hard to state your case playing in the second division.

Good call for Johnny, he did a good job captaining the U20's last year and calls the lineouts already. He looks more of a natural leader than big brother.

Sure, I remember that we had injuries in the Autumn, just seems a bit of a rapid descent from the scene. Unless of course McCall was terrible in training and Johnson thought no thanks.

Hootsmon is reporting that Tonks starts at 10 with an interview with Scott Johnson backing this up. Heathcote to the bench, then.

George Carlin wrote:Hootsmon is reporting that Tonks starts at 10 with an interview with Scott Johnson backing this up. Heathcote to the bench, then.

Lack of game time at Bath is really costing Heathcote currently, all things considered he should really have been in the selection mix for the main team by now. I wonder what opportunities might be available for him in terms of teams he could move to? Obviously Edinburgh could take him but that could stifle Tonks' chances of getting the Scotland 10 shirt. Perhaps one of Jackson or Weir should leave Glasgow? If London Scottish managed to get promoted to the Premiership then maybe there but that could hinder Lee Millar's development. can anyone think of another team in England, or anywhere else, looking for a new stand off for next season? Finances aside, two pro teams just isn't enough.

I love it how we've spent so much time of the last few days discussing this game when the 6N is coming up!

Show's how much we've already discussed Scotland's chances to death. Suppose there's only so many ways we can say "we're getting gubbed"!

RDW_Scotland wrote:I love it how we've spent so much time of the last few days discussing this game when the 6N is coming up!

Show's how much we've already discussed Scotland's chances to death.  Suppose there's only so many ways we can say "we're getting gubbed"!

I've always enjoyed the A team games and surprise selections over the years, not so unpredictable these days but there always seemed to be a player appear from obscurity somewhere in the Exiles network. Shame Lineen hasn't unearthed a SQ 20 stone tighthead hidden gem from somewhere.

MacKnocked-on wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Hootsmon is reporting that Tonks starts at 10 with an interview with Scott Johnson backing this up. Heathcote to the bench, then.

Lack of game time at Bath is really costing Heathcote currently, all things considered he should really have been in the selection mix for the main team by now. I wonder what opportunities might be available for him in terms of teams he could move to? Obviously Edinburgh could take him but that could stifle Tonks' chances of getting the Scotland 10 shirt. Perhaps one of Jackson or Weir should leave Glasgow? If London Scottish managed to get promoted to the Premiership then maybe there but that could hinder Lee Millar's development. can anyone think of another team in England, or anywhere else, looking for a new stand off for next season? Finances aside, two pro teams just isn't enough.    

Most teams can cope with two good players in the one position and give both of them a decent amount of game time. That should be the case in Bath for Heathcote except they are clearly favouring Ford and only giving Heathcote some crumbs when he needs a rest.

There are obvious reasons for that, none of which are his fault. He may get a bit more game time during the international window but it will be to little to late for this year, he needs to get out of there.

I still fancy Edinburgh for him, they could cope with him and Tonks as well, or Tonks could drop back to full back, which may well be his better position. Then again we have heard nothing from Glasgow about their plans for half backs next year either. Are they going to let Jackson go? Then does Lee Miller come into the equation as well. Its all got a fair way to run and is very intriguing.

Does Heathcote play at 12 at all? I still think we are light in that position for the A game.

MacKnocked-on wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Hootsmon is reporting that Tonks starts at 10 with an interview with Scott Johnson backing this up. Heathcote to the bench, then.

Lack of game time at Bath is really costing Heathcote currently, all things considered he should really have been in the selection mix for the main team by now. I wonder what opportunities might be available for him in terms of teams he could move to? Obviously Edinburgh could take him but that could stifle Tonks' chances of getting the Scotland 10 shirt. Perhaps one of Jackson or Weir should leave Glasgow? If London Scottish managed to get promoted to the Premiership then maybe there but that could hinder Lee Millar's development. can anyone think of another team in England, or anywhere else, looking for a new stand off for next season? Finances aside, two pro teams just isn't enough.    

I actually think he'd be a really good fit for Worcester. I know they're more than likely going down next season but I don't think Dean Ryan fancies either Warwick or Mieres. He'd be a good choice if they want to develop their play and he'd more than likely be first choice. Failing that back-up at Bath isn't so bad but he could do with more game time. Back-up at Northampton could be another slot. If not Bristol?

Chjw131 wrote:

MacKnocked-on wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Hootsmon is reporting that Tonks starts at 10 with an interview with Scott Johnson backing this up. Heathcote to the bench, then.

Lack of game time at Bath is really costing Heathcote currently, all things considered he should really have been in the selection mix for the main team by now. I wonder what opportunities might be available for him in terms of teams he could move to? Obviously Edinburgh could take him but that could stifle Tonks' chances of getting the Scotland 10 shirt. Perhaps one of Jackson or Weir should leave Glasgow? If London Scottish managed to get promoted to the Premiership then maybe there but that could hinder Lee Millar's development. can anyone think of another team in England, or anywhere else, looking for a new stand off for next season? Finances aside, two pro teams just isn't enough.    

I actually think he'd be a really good fit for Worcester. I know they're more than likely going down next season but I don't think Dean Ryan fancies either Warwick or Mieres. He'd be a good choice if they want to develop their play and he'd more than likely be first choice. Failing that back-up at Bath isn't so bad but he could do with more game time. Back-up at Northampton could be another slot. If not Bristol?

Its not going to be getting any easier in the championship next year for any aspiring premiership sides. Worcester might fancy their chances of going striaight back up but it won't be easy, especialy if Bristol don't go up this year. They are building, look like they have the finances, support and the history to be amongst the big boys.

If Heathcote was going to committ to any championship side they would be his best bet, Robinson knows him and what he can do as well.. London Scottish are not ready yet, but are also building nicely. Worcester would be a big risk, they have looked really poor and uncompetitive this year and clearly have massive rebuilding to do next year. If he spends a couple of years with them in division two it would likely be the end of his international aspirations.

Do you reckon so? He's only 21 and with Ryan's commitment to youth and bringing Worcester on I think it could be a good move, likewise Bristol.

In the AP I can't see him getting first choice past any of the incumbents unless Godman goes for Falcons then I think he'd have a good chance against Clegg.

BigGee wrote:

Chjw131 wrote:

MacKnocked-on wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Hootsmon is reporting that Tonks starts at 10 with an interview with Scott Johnson backing this up. Heathcote to the bench, then.

Lack of game time at Bath is really costing Heathcote currently, all things considered he should really have been in the selection mix for the main team by now. I wonder what opportunities might be available for him in terms of teams he could move to? Obviously Edinburgh could take him but that could stifle Tonks' chances of getting the Scotland 10 shirt. Perhaps one of Jackson or Weir should leave Glasgow? If London Scottish managed to get promoted to the Premiership then maybe there but that could hinder Lee Millar's development. can anyone think of another team in England, or anywhere else, looking for a new stand off for next season? Finances aside, two pro teams just isn't enough.    

I actually think he'd be a really good fit for Worcester. I know they're more than likely going down next season but I don't think Dean Ryan fancies either Warwick or Mieres. He'd be a good choice if they want to develop their play and he'd more than likely be first choice. Failing that back-up at Bath isn't so bad but he could do with more game time. Back-up at Northampton could be another slot. If not Bristol?

Its not going to be getting any easier in the championship next year for any aspiring premiership sides. Worcester might fancy their chances of going striaight back up but it won't be easy, especialy if Bristol don't go up this year. They are building, look like they have the finances, support and the history to be amongst the big boys.

If Heathcote was going to committ to any championship side they would be his best bet, Robinson knows him and what he can do as well.. London Scottish are not ready yet, but are also building nicely. Worcester would be a big risk, they have looked really poor and uncompetitive this year and clearly have massive rebuilding to do next year. If he spends a couple of years with them in division two it would likely be the end of his international aspirations.

Yes, Bristol does sound like a good shout. Don't know who their current stand-off options are though, maybe they've already got plenty of choice and don't need anyone else but given Robinson picked Heathcote for Scotland then he must rate him.

MacKnocked-on wrote: given Robinson picked Heathcote for Scotland then he must rate him.  

Yeah and look how that went!   

At the moment I know they've got Nicky Robinson, not sure who else. He's a good player but from what i've seen from Heathcote for England U20s he's got a better all round game, particularly his kicking.

Chjw131 wrote:At the moment I know they've got Nicky Robinson, not sure who else. He's a good player but from what i've seen from Heathcote for England U20s he's got a better all round game, particularly his kicking.

Nicky Robinson must be in his thirties now I would think,certainly room for a younger player at the club.

Chjw131 wrote:Do you reckon so? He's only 21 and with Ryan's commitment to youth and bringing Worcester on I think it could be a good move, likewise Bristol.

In the AP I can't see him getting first choice past any of the incumbents unless Godman goes for Falcons then I think he'd have a good chance against Clegg.

I think a lot of people would have said that Heathcote should have been first choice for Bath last year. It was only because they were spending so much on Donald that they felt obliged to play him! He pretty much outplayed Ford in the England v Scotland A game last year as well.

I think he would be a good fit for most teams, it will come down to who is in the market for a fly half at the end of the day. He is a very good player and will get some offers. I would still rather he went up to Scotland, though I could cope with Newcastle at a pinch, which is pretty much our third professional team anyway!

BigGee wrote:

Chjw131 wrote:Do you reckon so? He's only 21 and with Ryan's commitment to youth and bringing Worcester on I think it could be a good move, likewise Bristol.

In the AP I can't see him getting first choice past any of the incumbents unless Godman goes for Falcons then I think he'd have a good chance against Clegg.

I think a lot of people would have said that Heathcote should have been first choice for Bath last year. It was only because they were spending so much on Donald that they felt obliged to play him! He pretty much outplayed Ford in the England v Scotland A game last year as well.

I think he would be a good fit for most teams, it will come down to who is in the market for a fly half at the end of the day. He is a very good player and will get some offers. I would still rather he went up to Scotland, though I could cope with Newcastle at a pinch, which is pretty much our third professional team anyway!

Agree that he should've ousted Donald who was apalling for Bath last season. It would certainly seem he had the better game last year but the Saxons pack was marmalised and that's not exactly much of a platform. Ford has been playing extremely well for Bath this season, hence his senior call up.

He could do a job at Worcester! He's 21! The 10 the guided Worcester back to the Prem??? that would raise his stock surely?

I'd still love him at Edinburgh though. Leonard is not showing signs of becoming a quality 10. Two names is just rubbish and ain't SQ. I'm totally sure that Heathcote and Tonks could share the 10 duties at Edinburgh with the best performing winning out and becoming the 10 for Scotland. And if that 10 is Heathcote, then Tonks can go back to 15 or he can be a great bench asset covering 10 and 15. He could then work on his game and take any chance that comes to him to take the 10 shirt!

[quote="MacKnocked-on"

I've always enjoyed the A team games
 [/quote]

BA Barracus would make a great tighthead!

BTW if anyone sites on my North Stand seat I will be very annoyed !

tigertattie wrote:[quote="MacKnocked-on"

I've always enjoyed the A team games
 

BA Barracus would make a great tighthead![/quote]

Tim 'The Face Man' Visser; 'Not the Face! Not the face!

Apparently Sean Lineen is days away from signing Chuck Norris as Glasgow's new tighthead.

Did Murray break his thumb on a bbq? hope it wasn't a sunday.

George Carlin wrote:Apparently Sean Lineen is days away from signing Chuck Norris as Glasgow's new tighthead.

Chuck Norris can win a game of connect four in three moves!

Johnny Gray captain of A team- well done young fella - future captain of Scotland in the making - RWC 15 !  

Jeez I need to catch up this was already on - apologies dudes !

MacKnocked-on wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:I love it how we've spent so much time of the last few days discussing this game when the 6N is coming up!

Show's how much we've already discussed Scotland's chances to death.  Suppose there's only so many ways we can say "we're getting gubbed"!

I've always enjoyed the A team games and surprise selections over the years, not so unpredictable these days but there always seemed to be a player appear from obscurity somewhere in the Exiles network. Shame Lineen hasn't unearthed a SQ 20 stone tighthead hidden gem from somewhere.
 

He did! His name is Mike Cusack. Come back Mike  

Anyone read the Jockman advertorial interviewing SJ? Not on a full stomach I suggest. Discussions on his legacy before he moves upstairs...followed by his selfless modesty re "its all about the players" or "kids" as he insists on calling our national team.  
Gies a brek.   

Argybargy wrote:Anyone read the Jockman advertorial interviewing SJ? Not on a full stomach I suggest. Discussions on his legacy before he moves upstairs...followed by his selfless modesty re "its all about the players" or "kids" as he insists on calling our national team.  
Gies a brek.   

You're stuck with him for at least 2 years kids!     <-vomit

I'm quite happy with SJ, thank you.

He doesn't play that silly pre-championship game of talking about the opposition's players to the media.

Mr Gatland would do well to listen.

Scratch wrote:

Argybargy wrote:Anyone read the Jockman advertorial interviewing SJ? Not on a full stomach I suggest. Discussions on his legacy before he moves upstairs...followed by his selfless modesty re "its all about the players" or "kids" as he insists on calling our national team.  
Gies a brek.   

You're stuck with him for at least 2 years kids!     <-vomit

Based on what information? Vern Cotter starts in June !

Ian - Agree SJ doesn't get involved in the childish windupery of certain coaches (and given where we are at the moment that shows sense). Maybe its just the way he tells them but article made me cringe.
It will be interesting to see how Cotter presents himself/team and sets expectations when he gets in the chair..

I still don't get the situation i.e Cotter and Johnson, Johnson is director of rugby and assistant coach, so who's in charge. Can Cotter sack Johnson as assistant coach if he rubs him up the wrong way or can Johnson tell Cotter who to select? I suspect it will end in tears.

I don't think Johnson's going to be assistant coach once he moves up the ladder. Where did that bit come from?

I might be wrong, but it doesn't look like this game is on TV...

Yes Cumby - I have tried and cannot find any reference to TV coverage.

Would be very strange if there were no cameras there at all, though. I would expect Scottish rugby to have some footage.

Surely one for BBC Alba to cover?
Interesting article in today's SoS, as the 6N is 15 years old this year somebody has selected Scotland's greatest 6N team in their opinion;
15.Metcalfe 14.Paterson 13.Philip 12.Scott 11.R Lamont 10.Parks 9.Blair 8.Taylor 7.Pountney 6.White 5.Gray 4.Hines 3.Murray 2.Bulloch (once went an entire championship without losing a single lineout,changed days unfortunately) 1.Smith

Bullochs a real great - and how we could do with him now. A hooker who can hook and mighty fine ball player

I think Max Evans should start in the a team just to show if he still has it.

Did Max Evans ever "have it"?

I would like to see Henry Slade start at 10 and drop Freddie Burns to the bench

I'd like Burns to start  

Max Evans was decent at Glasgow 

123456789 wrote:Did Max Evans ever "have it"?

Allegedly he did. But the Canesten Combi really helped stop the itching.
(  )

I'd like to see Clark, Simpson, Burns and Hopper all dropped to the bench for this game. Clark is a good club player but that is it and out of his depth at this level. Burns is miles out of form and his confidence has taken a battering which is effecting his decision making, Simpson hasn't looked anywhere near his best this season and I'd have preferred to see Dan Robson given a go. Hopper is massively erratic and is never going to be ready for the first team.

Same front five then Ewers, Wallace, Dickinson, Lewis, Sharples, Hill, Daly, Watson, Miller.

If Hill isn't fit then call up Allen.

Callum Clark shouldn't be playing rugby at all after his dirty incidents. Bad influence on youngsters and does not show the game in a good light.

What did he (allegedly) do?

RDW_Scotland wrote:What did he (allegedly) do?

He didn't 'allegedly' do anything - he actually broke Hawkins's arm, deliberately